Alpha Media Holdings’ independent Editorial Advisory Board of Trustees will set up a panel of three eminent people to investigate the production of a story about the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) handling of licensing fees by one of the group’s publications.
On Friday, AMH’s business publication Zimbabwe Independent led with a story headlined: US$52m licensing fee storm rocks ZBC.
The story alleged that recent attempts by former Information minister Jenfran Muswere to remove ZBC chairperson Helliate Rushwaya were linked to the alleged abuse of the funds.
However, on the same day the publication wrote letters of apology addressed to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Rushwaya, saying the story was incorrect.
A formal retraction and apology were published in the NewsDay Weekender publication of February 22
“The board is now seized with an enquiry to establish the circumstances that led to the publication of the particular story and the events that followed to avoid the recurrence of such incidents,” said Muchadeyi Masunda, the chairperson of the AMH Editorial Advisory Board of Trustees
“The story in question addressed the utilisation of radio licensing funds — a matter of significant public interest — and we remain committed to providing our readers with the absolute truth regarding this issue.
“To that end, an independent panel of three — comprising individuals who are seasoned and respected in their respective disciplines of law, accountancy and media — will be put in place for the express purpose of probing into this whole case and making such recommendations as may be appropriate in the circumstances to the Editorial Advisory Board of Trustees.”
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Masunda said AMH platforms remained true to their editorial values enshrined in the group’s Code of Ethics.
“We aim — through our newspapers, magazines, websites and mobile services — to include a wide range of diverse opinions presented in an impartial, objective, fair and accurate manner,” he added.
"In doing so, we strive to inform the public debate through a content service that is free from any political or business pressure, and which is designed to enable Zimbabweans, both home and abroad, to make educated and choices.
“We will always seek the truth, weight up the evidence, deliver researched and tested facts, and offer relevant context and analysis where appropriate.”
AMH are publishers of The Standard, Zimbabwe Independent, NewsDay and Southern Eye as well as proprietors of HSTV tele-radio.
